Laughter is a gift from God, bringing joy and lightness to our lives, but laughter at the expense of others can be hurtful and unkind. The Bible encourages us to use our words and actions to build up rather than tear down, showing respect and empathy for others in all that we do. Let’s look into these verses together and learn how to cultivate a spirit of kindness and grace, choosing laughter that lifts the spirit and brings joy to all who hear it.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Influencing Others
Bible Verses About Laughing At Others
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse reminds us that it is wrong to despise or laugh at others. Instead, we are called to be generous and kind to those in need.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.”
Rather than finding joy or amusement in the misfortunes of others, this verse teaches us that we should treat all people with respect and empathy.
Proverbs 19:29
“Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.”
Scoffing at others or laughing at their expense can lead to condemnation. This verse reminds us to avoid such behavior and strive to be wise in our interactions.
Proverbs 21:24
“Scoffer is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.”
Humility is valued in the Bible, and this verse warns against arrogance and haughty behavior that leads to mocking others.
Proverbs 24:17-18
“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.”
Laughing at the downfall of others, even our enemies, is not in alignment with God’s command to love and forgive. We should always seek to show compassion and pray for their well-being.
Luke 14:11
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
This verse teaches us the importance of humility. Laughing at others reflects an attitude of pride, which goes against the teachings of Jesus.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
Mocking others is a form of mockery towards God, as He calls us to love and respect one another. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
In contrast to laughing at others, this verse encourages us to humble ourselves before God. Through humility, we can find true exaltation in His eyes.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
Laughing at others goes against the principles of unity, sympathy, and brotherly love that we are called to demonstrate. Instead, we should cultivate tender hearts and humble minds.
Matthew 5:22
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
This verse warns us about the seriousness of insulting and mocking others. Our words have power, and we should use them wisely and with kindness.
Proverbs 15:13
“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.”
Instead of laughing at others, we are called to bring joy and cheerfulness to those around us. A glad heart uplifts others and fosters a positive and supportive environment.
Proverbs 10:23
“Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.”
Laughing at the expense of others’ wrongdoing reveals a lack of wisdom. True pleasure is found in embracing wisdom and using discernment in our interactions.
Proverbs 26:18-19
“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I am only joking!'”
This verse warns against deceptive joking at the expense of others. Our words should always be spoken with honesty and sincerity.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Laughing at others tears them down instead of building them up, as we are called to do as followers of Christ. Let our words and actions be sources of encouragement.
Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Mocking or laughing at others with hurtful words is akin to thrusting a sword. The wise, on the other hand, use their words to bring healing and restoration.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Laughing at others with corrupting talk tears them down and goes against the call to speak words that build up and bring grace to others.
Psalm 34:19
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
This verse reminds us that everyone faces hardships, including ourselves. Instead of laughing at others’ afflictions, we should offer compassion and support, trusting that the Lord will deliver us all.
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Love and honor should guide our interactions with others. Laughing at them diminishes their worth and contradicts the command to show brotherly affection.
Proverbs 14:9
“Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.”
Mocking or laughing at spiritual matters is not only foolish but also shows a lack of reverence for God. The upright, however, find acceptance in Him.
Proverbs 22:10
“Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.”
Removing a scoffer from our lives can help to avoid strife, quarreling, and abusive behaviors. It is essential to surround ourselves with people who build us up instead of laughing at our expense.
John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
Laughing at others contradicts the commandment to love one another. Our love for each other should be evident to the world, reflecting Christ’s love for us.
Proverbs 17:21
“He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.”
This verse cautions against folly and encourages us to be wise in our interactions. Laughing at others’ foolishness brings sorrow instead of joy.
Proverbs 10:19
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
Speaking unkindly or laughing at others often leads to sinful behavior. This verse urges us to exercise prudence and self-control by restraining our words.
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Our words have the power to bring both death and life. Laughing at others can cause harm and breed negativity, while kindness and encouragement bear the fruit of life and positivity.
James 3:9-10
“With it, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
God created us all in His own image, and as such, we should never curse or laugh at our fellow human beings. Our words should consistently reflect the blessings we give to God.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Laughing at others stems from bitterness, anger, and malice, which have no place in the lives of believers. Instead, let us be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving as Christ has shown us.
Proverbs 17:22
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Instead of laughing at others, let us seek to bring joy and uplift those around us. A joyful heart is medicine to the soul.
What Does The Bible Say About Laughing At Others?
When it comes to the topic of laughing at others, the Bible provides guidance that encourages us to be compassionate and loving.
First and foremost, the Bible teaches us to treat others with kindness and respect. Proverbs 14:21 reminds us, “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.” Laughing at others can often stem from a sense of superiority or a desire to belittle and mock. However, this verse reminds us that such behavior is not pleasing to God.
In addition, the Bible instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This command goes beyond mere tolerance and calls us to act with empathy and understanding. Laughing at others can undermine the love and respect we should have for our fellow human beings. Instead, we are encouraged to support and uplift one another in a spirit of unity and compassion.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches us to guard our words and use them for edification rather than tearing others down. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Laughing at others in a derogatory or mocking manner goes against the principle of speaking words that build others up.
While there may be times when light-hearted and harmless humor is appropriate, we must be cautious not to cross the line into ridiculing or demeaning others. The Bible encourages us to “let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6). Our words and actions should reflect Christ’s love and bring joy, encouragement, and comfort to others.
In conclusion, the Bible consistently reminds us to treat others with love, respect, and compassion. Laughing at others in a way that belittles or mocks them is not aligned with the values taught in the Scriptures. Instead, we are called to build others up, speak words of grace, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects the love of Christ and brings wholeness and joy to those around us.